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National Security Adviser Eduardo Año —Presidential photo
MANILA, Philippines — National Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Saturday called on other countries to respect the Philippines’ “sovereign right to make decisions on its defense and security,” amid plans to deploy midrange missiles which drew criticism, particularly from China.
In a statement, the official stressed that the Philippines—as a sovereign nation—is well within its right to determine measures involving its own security.
He also reiterated the Philippines “steadfast” commitment to an independent foreign policy, tagging recent comments against the country’s efforts to enhance its defense capabilities, particularly with the deployment of the Typhon missile system, as “unfounded” and “pure speculation.”
READ: PH has right to allow US missile system despite China’s opposition – DND
“We encourage all parties to respect the Philippines’ sovereign right to make decisions regarding its defense and security, and we remain committed to maintaining an environment of peace, cooperation, and mutual respect in the region,” said Año in a statement.
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READ: China: PH will ‘hurt own interests’ if it pushes missile plan
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According to Año, the procurement of defense systems, including the Typhon missile launcher, is merely part of the country’s efforts to strengthen its deterrence capabilities.
Furthermore, Año pointed out that the “defensive posture” was in line with continued efforts to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“In its long history as a sovereign nation, the Philippines has never provoked conflict, but we are always vigilant in defending our sovereignty against any potential threats,” said Año.
“Our actions are meant to ensure peace and stability in the region and we will never undermine the security of any nation,” he added.
All this developed after China expressed opposition against the deployment of the missile system in the country, warning that it could heighten geopolitical tensions and spark a regional arms race.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning on Thursday even issued a warning that China “will not sit on its hands when its security interests are in danger or under threat.”
The planned deployment of Typhon missiles comes in the wake of China’s continued and escalating aggression in the West Philippine Sea, which China has claimed ownership of, despite being well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
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China’s claims have already been effectively invalidated by a July 2016 international tribunal ruling that stemmed from a case filed by Manila in 2013, but the Asian giant continued to deliberately ignore the ruling, consistently encroaching on the Philippines’ EEZ.